Everything you need to know about 'fertility windows'.

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Learning about your fertility can seem overwhelming and complex — there is so much information out there, and it's hard to know the best way to optimise your odds of falling pregnant.

It's natural to feel anxious at the start of your fertility journey, as the outcome is unknown and unpredictable, with the 'two-week wait' after ovulation seemingly endless in duration.

This fact sheet will help in your fertility planning and simplify the process for you.

A lot of the information below applies to same-sex couples hoping for spontaneous conception, yet we are lucky in Australia that there are options for same-sex couples and solo patients who would like to become parents.

Your GP can discuss these options with you and organise any referrals that may be needed.

What do I need to know about fertility before trying to get pregnant?

The first thing to understand as a female patient is your menstrual cycle.

There are many apps that can be used to track your monthly cycle and provide you with important information about when you are ovulating (as this is the time to get on it!).

Day one of your menstrual cycle is the first day of your period. The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, but can be between 21 and 35 days to still be considered normal.

Listen: Everything to know about getting pregnant. Post continues below.

Ovulation refers to when your ovaries respond to the hormones of your menstrual cycle and release an oocyte (egg).

This is your fertile time and the best time to have sexual intercourse if trying for spontaneous conception (we will talk about this a bit more below). Ovulation is usually mid-cycle, so if you have a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation is predicted to be on day 14.

The next thing to know, is that it can take a couple up to 6 to 12 months to conceive, even if there are no underlying fertility issues or concerns. So, don't panic if you don't fall pregnant straight away, we need to give things a bit of time to all come together.

Lastly, I recommend seeing your GP prior to trying to conceive for a general health check-up, reviewing your medications and to discuss starting folic acid and iodine supplements.

If you are trying to conceive, these supplements are important in your baby's development in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Your GP will also discuss genetic carrier screening with you.

Genetic carrier screening is a Medicare-funded blood test that screens patients for the three most common recessive genetic conditions, including cystic fibrosis. It is an optional screening test offered to all female patients considering pregnancy.

This is also the time to try and quit smoking and your GP can also provide support for this.

Watch: Understanding the fertile window. Post continues after video.

How do I get pregnant, and what are the best windows for fertility?

As mentioned above, the most important part of pregnancy planning is knowing when you are ovulating.

A good cycle-tracking app will notify you mid-cycle when ovulation most commonly occurs.

For a female patient with a 28-day menstrual cycle, my advice is to have sexual intercourse (penis in vagina) every second day from day 10 to day 20 of your cycle.

This plan may be altered if the menstrual cycle length is longer or shorter than 28 days.

You may notice some changes in your body during ovulation, such as pain in the lower abdomen or a change in your vaginal discharge.

Some women choose to monitor their basal body temperature, as a woman's resting body temperature increases by 0.2-0.5 degrees Celsius after ovulation and remains elevated until the next period starts.

There are various methods to determine when you are ovulating if you're not sure through tracking your cycle or through noticing changes to your body, particularly if you have irregular periods.

The best way to track ovulation is through daily blood tests to assess your hormone levels, which your GP can arrange for you.

Urine test strips are also available but may vary in accuracy depending on the quality of the strips.

But try not to get too clinical in the first few months and just enjoy the process!

What types of fertility treatments exist?

There are various options for fertility treatment and these options will be individualised to your particular history and concerns.

Options include:

• Ovulation + cycle tracking: usually through blood tests but sometimes with ultrasound.

• Medication: to assist with ovarian follicle production and release of an oocyte (egg).

• Assisted reproductive technology: intrauterine insemination (IUI) or invitro fertilisation (IVF).

Your fertility specialist may discuss the use of donor eggs or sperm if needed, as well as options for surrogacy which are available in Australia through altruistic means.

Some patients find that complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, helpful when trying to conceive — but as yet there is no evidence to demonstrate if any of these therapies are beneficial for fertility.

There is also currently no evidence to show that any particular supplements or dietary changes are beneficial to improving fertility.

How long should my partner and I be trying to get pregnant before seeking help?

As discussed above, it can take a couple up to 6 to 12 months to conceive, even if there are no underlying fertility issues or concerns.

I usually recommend seeing a GP after six months of trying to get pregnant.

At this time, your GP will consider any underlying causes of your subfertility, including thyroid dysfunction, coeliac disease as well as gynaecological causes.

Further testing with blood tests or imaging may be needed at this time.

In some cases, reassurance may be the only thing needed, and you can crack on for another six months with reminders on how to track ovulation and when to have sexual intercourse.

In other cases, your GP may refer you to a fertility clinic earlier. These include:

• Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome or with other causes for irregular periods

• Women over the age of 35 years

• Women with endometriosis or other known gynaecological conditions

• Women with a history of gynaecological or abdominal surgery

• Women who may be on medications that impact on fertility or pregnancy such as anti-seizure medication

• Men who have a low sperm count or poor sperm quality

• Men who have issues with sexual function or ejaculation

• Men with a history of urological surgery or cancer

Download the fact sheet here.

Feature image: Getty.

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